Aerosol-generating device with cartridge release system

ABSTRACT

An aerosol-generating device includes an aerosol-generating element comprising a body and a receptacle for receiving a cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate; a vessel having a liquid fill level and defining a head space outlet above the liquid fill level; a conduit for conveying airflow from the receptacle to the vessel; and a cap engageable with the body. The cap includes a frame comprising a cavity and having a center axis, wherein the cavity is arranged for receiving the cartridge; and a grip member configured to releasably grip the cartridge received in the receptacle. The cartridge may be released from the grip member using a release mechanism. The release mechanism may be part of a cartridge disposal system.

This disclosure relates to aerosol-generating devices and to systems forgripping and releasing cartridges containing an aerosol-formingsubstrate for use in aerosol-generating devices. This disclosure alsorelates to systems for removing and discarding cartridges used inaerosol-generating devices. More particularly, this disclosure relatesto gripping and releasing systems that can be used to remove and discardcartridges used in shisha devices.

Traditional shisha devices are used to smoke tobacco and are configuredsuch that vapor and smoke pass through a water basin before inhalationby a consumer. Shisha devices may include one outlet, or more than oneoutlet so that the device may be used by more than one consumer at atime. Use of shisha devices is considered by some to be a leisureactivity and a social experience.

Typically, traditional shishas are used in combination with a substrate,sometimes referred to in the art as hookah tobacco, tobacco molasses, orsimply as molasses. Traditional shisha substrates are relatively high insugar (in some cases, up to ˜50% vs. the ˜20% typically found inconventional tobacco substrates, such as in combustible cigarettes). Thetobacco used in shisha devices may be mixed with other ingredients to,for example, increase the volume of the vapor and smoke produced, toalter flavor, or both.

Traditional shisha devices employ charcoal, such as charcoal pellets toheat and sometimes combust the tobacco substrate to generate an aerosolfor inhalation by a user. Using charcoal to heat the tobacco may causefull or partial combustion of the tobacco or other ingredients.Additionally, charcoal may generate harmful or potentially harmfulproducts, such as carbon monoxide, which may mix with the shisha vaporand pass through the water basin to the outlet.

One way to reduce the production of carbon monoxide and combustionby-products is to employ e-liquids rather than tobacco. Shisha devicesthat employ e-liquids eliminate combustion by-products but depriveshisha consumers of the traditional tobacco-based experience.

Other shisha devices have been proposed that employ electric heaters toheat, but not combust, tobacco. Such electrically heated heat-not-burnshisha devices heat the tobacco substrate to a temperature sufficient toproduce an aerosol from the substrate without combusting the substrate,and therefore reduce or eliminate by-products associated with combustionof tobacco.

Shisha devices may employ a cartridge for housing an aerosol-formingsubstrate. The cartridge may be filled with such aerosol-formingsubstrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco,preferably shisha substrate, such as molasses—a mixture of tobacco,water, sugar, and other components, such as glycerine, flavors, etc. Theheating system of the electrically heated shisha device heats thecontents of the cartridge to generate aerosol, which is conveyed throughan airflow path to a user.

In order to facilitate airflow through the cartridge and the flow of theaerosol from the cartridge, a shisha cartridge may have one or moreholes through one or more walls. Prior art cartridges typically have oneor more openings on at least one of the walls of the cartridge, such asin one or both of the top and bottom walls. At least some of the holesor openings in the top and bottom walls may be closed by a removable(for example, peelable) sealing layer, such as a film, sticker, orliner, during storage. The removable layer may protect the contents (forexample, the molasses) from exposure to air and oxygen. The removablelayer may be removed (for example, pulled or peeled off) by a user priorto first use of the cartridge.

After use of the shisha device, the cartridge may be removed anddiscarded. However, the cartridge may still contain material, such asused aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may also still be hot ifit has not had time to cool down. According to embodiments of thepresent disclosure, a system is provided for removing and discarding thecartridge.

It would be desirable to provide a system for removing a used cartridgefrom an aerosol-generating device. It would be desirable to provide asystem for discarding a cartridge used in an aerosol-generating device.It would be desirable to provide a system for removing a used cartridgefrom an aerosol-generating device that can be incorporated as part ofthe aerosol-generating device. It would be desirable to provide a systemfor removing a used cartridge from an aerosol-generating device that isconvenient and easy to use. It would be desirable to provide a systemfor discarding a used cartridge that is convenient and easy to use. Itwould be desirable to provide a system for removing a used cartridgefrom an aerosol-generating device that does not require a user to handlethe cartridge directly. It would be desirable to provide a system fordiscarding a used cartridge that does not require a user to handle thecartridge directly.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a system is providedthat can be used to grip a cartridge in an aerosol-generating device andto release the cartridge. According to an embodiment, the system may beused to remove the cartridge from the aerosol-generating device.According to an embodiment, the system may be used to discard thecartridge. For example, the system may be used with shisha devices. Thesystem may be used to grip a shisha cartridge. The system may be used toremove the shisha cartridge from a shisha device. The system may be usedto release the shisha cartridge. The system may be used to discard theshisha cartridge. The system may be used to discard the shisha cartridgeinto a disposal vessel.

The system for gripping and releasing a cartridge may be referred to asan extractor. The extractor may be a part of a cap used with anaerosol-generating device. The cap may be incorporated as part of ashisha device.

The system for gripping and releasing a cartridge may comprise a capmountable on the aerosol-generating device. The cap comprises a bodywith a cavity for receiving a cartridge and a grip member. The gripmember is configured to grip and release the cartridge.

The system for gripping and releasing a cartridge may be operated byinserting a cartridge into the aerosol-generating device. The cap may beplaced onto the device (for example onto the receptacle of theaerosol-generating element), and the cap may be pressed down such thatthe grip member engages the cartridge. The grip member may grip thecartridge. The aerosol-generating device may be a shisha device and thecartridge may be a shisha cartridge.

The system of the present disclosure may provide various advantages.Some of the advantages include that the system for gripping andreleasing a cartridge is convenient, easy, and safe to use. The user canremove the used cartridge without having to directly handle thecartridge, avoiding direct contact with a hot object. The cartridge maybe discarded without having to directly handle the cartridge, reducingthe chance of leaks and other messes.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an extractor forremoving a cartridge from an aerosol-generating device is provided. Theextractor may comprise a cavity arranged for receiving a cartridge. Theextractor may comprise a grip member configured to releasably grip thecartridge received in the cavity. The extractor may be engageable withthe aerosol-generating device. The extractor may be provided as part ofa cap. The extractor may comprise one or more piercing elements forpiercing the cartridge. The extractor may be provided as part of anaerosol-generating device.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a cap comprisingan extractor is provided. The cap may comprise a cavity arranged forreceiving a cartridge. The extractor may comprise a grip memberconfigured to releasably grip the cartridge received in the cavity. Theextractor may be housed within the cavity of the cap. The extractor maybe configured to remove a cartridge from an aerosol-generating device.The cap may be engageable with the aerosol-generating device. The capmay comprise one or more piercing elements for piercing the cartridge.The cap and extractor may be provided as part of an aerosol-generatingdevice.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, anaerosol-generating device may comprise an aerosol-generating elementwith a body and a receptacle for receiving a cartridge comprising anaerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating device may comprise avessel having a liquid fill level and defining a head space outlet abovethe liquid fill level; and a conduit for conveying airflow from thereceptacle to the vessel. The aerosol-generating device may comprise anextractor. The extractor may form part of a cap. The cap may beengageable with the body of the aerosol-generating element. The cap maycomprise a frame with a cavity and a center axis, wherein the cavity isarranged for receiving the cartridge. The cap may comprise a gripmember. The grip member may be configured to releasably grip thecartridge received in the receptacle.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, anaerosol-generating device comprises an aerosol-generating element with abody and a receptacle for receiving a cartridge comprising anaerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating device comprises avessel having a liquid fill level and defining a head space outlet abovethe liquid fill level; and a conduit for conveying airflow from thereceptacle to the vessel. The aerosol-generating device comprises anextractor. The extractor forms part of a cap. The cap is engageable withthe body of the aerosol-generating element. The cap comprises a framewith a cavity and a center axis, wherein the cavity is arranged forreceiving the cartridge. The cap comprises a grip member configured toreleasably grip the cartridge received in the receptacle. The gripmember may comprise one or more spring fingers. The grip member maycomprise a ring member and one or more spring fingers extending from thering member. According to an embodiment, an aerosol-generating systemmay comprise the aerosol-generating device and a cartridge disposaldevice comprising a disposal vessel with an opening; and a cartridgerelease member. The cartridge release member may be constructed to matewith the grip member of the cap to actuate release of the cartridge.

The one or more spring fingers may extend axially toward a closed end ofthe cavity. The one or more spring fingers extend radially inward fromthe ring member, toward the center axis.

The cap may comprise an outer shroud. The cap may comprise an innershroud disposed within the outer shroud, with the inner shroud formingthe cavity. The grip member may be at least partially disposed withinthe cavity of the inner shroud. The inner shroud may be axially movablewithin the outer shroud. The cap may further comprise a spring element.The spring element may bias the inner shroud axially away from the outershroud. One of the inner shroud and the outer shroud may comprise one ormore guide tracks and the other of the inner shroud and the outer shroudmay comprise one or more track pins configured to cooperate with the oneor more guide tracks.

The cap has an operating position. The operating position may be aposition in which the cap is configured such that the grip member gripsthe cartridge received in the receptacle. The cap has a cap releaseposition. The release position may be a position in which the cartridgemay be released from the grip member. The cap may have an intermediateposition. In some embodiments, the cap is configured such that, in theintermediate position, the cartridge remains gripped by the grip membereven once the cap is disengaged from the body.

An aerosol-generating system may comprise the aerosol-generating deviceand a cartridge disposal device comprising a disposal vessel with anopening. The system may comprise a cartridge release member constructedto mate with the grip member of the cap to actuate release of thecartridge. The cartridge release member may comprise a pressure ring atthe opening of the disposal vessel, the pressure ring being constructedto flex the one or more spring fingers. The pressure ring may have adiameter which is smaller than a diameter of the ring member of the gripmember, but larger than a diameter of the cartridge. The cartridgerelease member may comprise a rim of the disposal vessel.

A method of using the aerosol-generating device may comprise inserting acartridge in the receptacle of the aerosol-generating element andplacing the cap at the aerosol-generating element such that thecartridge is gripped by the grip member. The cap may be pushed towardthe receptacle to release the cap from the aerosol-generating element.The cap and cartridge may be removed from the aerosol-generatingelement. The grip member may be contacted with a cartridge releasemember, causing the cartridge to be released from the grip member.

The cartridge release member may comprise a rim of the disposal vessel.The rim may have a diameter which is smaller than a diameter of the ringmember of the grip member, but larger than a diameter of the cartridge.Contacting the grip member with the cartridge release member maycomprise engaging the rim of the cartridge disposal device between thecartridge and the ring member of the grip member to flex the one or morespring fingers, releasing the cartridge from the grip member.

The one or more spring fingers may exhibit a bias, and the cap maycomprise a release mechanism configured to counteract the bias, therebyreleasing the cartridge. A method of using the aerosol-generating devicemay comprise causing a cartridge to be gripped by the grip member,wherein the one or more spring fingers exhibit a bias toward thecartridge; and actuating the release mechanism to counteract the bias,thereby releasing the cartridge.

The term “aerosol” is used herein to refer to a suspension of solidparticles or liquid droplets or a combination of solid particles andliquid droplets in a gas. The gas may be air. The solid particles orliquid droplets may comprise one or more volatile flavor compounds.Aerosol may be visible or invisible. Aerosol may include vapors ofsubstances that are ordinarily liquid or solid at room temperature.Aerosol may include vapors of substances that are ordinarily liquid orsolid at room temperature, in combination with solid particles or incombination with liquid droplets or in combination with both solidparticles and liquid droplets. In some embodiments, the aerosolcomprises nicotine.

The term “aerosol-forming substrate” is used herein to refer to amaterial capable of releasing one or more volatile compounds that canform an aerosol. In some embodiments, an aerosol-forming substrate maybe heated to volatilize one or more components of the aerosol-formingsubstrate to form an aerosol. As an alternative to heating orcombustion, in some cases volatile compounds may be released by achemical reaction or by a mechanical stimulus, such as ultrasound. Theaerosol-forming substrate may be disposed inside the cartridge.Aerosol-forming substrate may be solid or liquid or may comprise bothsolid and liquid components. Aerosol-forming substrate may be adsorbed,coated, impregnated or otherwise loaded onto a carrier or support.Aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine. Aerosol-formingsubstrate may comprise plant-based material. Aerosol-forming substratemay comprise tobacco. Aerosol-forming substrate may comprise atobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavorcompounds, which are released from the aerosol-forming substrate uponheating. Aerosol-forming substrate may alternatively comprise anon-tobacco-containing material. Aerosol-forming substrate may comprisehomogenized plant-based material. Aerosol-forming substrate may comprisehomogenized tobacco material. Aerosol-forming substrate may comprise atleast one aerosol-former. Aerosol-forming substrate may comprise otheradditives and ingredients, such as flavorants.

The terms “integral” and “integrally formed” are used herein to describeelements that are formed in one piece (a single, unitary piece).Integral or integrally formed components may be configured such thatthey cannot be separably removed from each other without causingstructural damage to the piece.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” also encompassembodiments having plural referents, unless the content clearly dictatesotherwise.

As used herein, “or” is generally employed in its sense including “oneor the other or both” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

The term “about” is used herein in conjunction with numeric values toinclude normal variations in measurements as expected by persons skilledin the art and is understood to have the same meaning as“approximately.” The term “about” understood to cover a typical marginof error. A typical margin of error may be, for example, ±5% of thestated value.

As used herein, “have,” “having,” “include,” “including,” “comprise,”“comprising” or the like are used in their open-ended sense, andgenerally mean “including, but not limited to”. It will be understoodthat “consisting essentially of,” “consisting of,” and the like aresubsumed in “comprising,” and the like.

The words “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of theinvention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances.However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same orother circumstances. Furthermore, the recitation of one or morepreferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are notuseful and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scopeof the disclosure, including the claims.

The term “substantially” as used herein can be understood to modify theterm that follows by at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at leastabout 98%. The term “not substantially” as used herein can be understoodto have the inverse meaning of “substantially,” i.e., modifying the termthat follows by not more than 10%, not more than 5%, or not more than2%.

Any direction referred to herein, such as “top,” “bottom,” “left,”“right,” “upper,” “lower,” and other directions or orientations aredescribed herein for clarity and brevity but are not intended to belimiting of an actual device or system. Devices and systems describedherein may be used in a number of directions and orientations.

An aerosol-generating device may comprise an aerosol-generating elementwith a body and a receptacle for receiving a cartridge comprising anaerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating device may comprise avessel having a liquid fill level and defining a head space outlet abovethe liquid fill level; and a conduit for conveying airflow from thereceptacle to the vessel. The aerosol-generating device may comprise acap engageable with the body. The cap may comprise a frame with a cavityand a center axis. The cavity may be arranged for receiving thecartridge. The cap may comprise a grip member configured to releasablygrip the cartridge received in the receptacle. The grip member maycomprise one or more spring fingers. The grip member may comprise a ringmember and one or more spring fingers extending from the ring member.The grip member may be engaged with a release mechanism to release thecartridge.

The aerosol-generating device may be a shisha device. A shisha devicemay comprise an aerosol-generating element with a body and a receptaclefor receiving a shisha cartridge comprising an aerosol-formingsubstrate. The shisha device may comprise a vessel having a liquid filllevel and defining a head space outlet above the liquid fill level; anda conduit for conveying airflow from the receptacle to the vessel. Theshisha device may comprise a cap engageable with the body. The cap maycomprise a frame with a cavity and a center axis. The cavity may bearranged for receiving the shisha cartridge. The cap may comprise a gripmember configured to releasably grip the cartridge received in thereceptacle. The grip member may comprise one or more spring fingers. Thegrip member may comprise a ring member and one or more spring fingersextending from the ring member. The grip member may be engaged with arelease mechanism to release the shisha cartridge.

The cap may comprise a frame comprising a cavity and having a centeraxis. The cavity may be arranged for receiving the cartridge. The capmay optionally comprise a piercing assembly disposed within the cavityand configured to pierce a wall of the cartridge. The cap may comprisean extractor. The extractor may comprise a grip member configured toreleasably grip the cartridge received in the receptacle. The cap mayadvantageously be used to grip the cartridge and to remove the cartridgefrom the receptacle. This allows a user to remove the cartridge withouthaving to come directly into contact with the used cartridge. The capwith grip member may be used with a disposal vessel. This allows a userto discard the cartridge without having to come directly into contactwith the used cartridge. The devices and systems of the presentdisclosure may help avoid direct contact with a hot cartridge. Thedevices and systems of the present disclosure may also help preventleaks and messes from an open cartridge.

The cap may comprise an outer frame. The outer frame may have anysuitable shape. In some embodiments, the outer frame is formed by acylindrical outer wall extending between a first end wall and an opensecond end. The first end wall may be a top wall. The outer frame may beopen at the bottom. The outer frame may define a cavity for housing thegrip member. The cap and grip member may define a longitudinal axis. Thelongitudinal axis may be a center axis. The longitudinal axis may becoaxial with the hollow tube of the stem pipe.

According to an embodiment, the cap comprises a grip member configuredto grip the cartridge. The grip member may include a ring member and oneor more grip fingers extending from the ring member. The one or moregrip fingers may be configured to abut against a flange of thecartridge. For example, the one or more grip fingers may be configuredto abut against the flange of the cartridge when the cartridge isreceived in the receptacle and the cap is placed over the cartridge.

The one or more grip fingers may comprise spring fingers. The one ormore grip fingers extend from the ring member to upper ends of the gripfingers. The number of grip fingers may be 1 or greater, 2 or greater, 3or greater, or 4 or greater. The number of grip fingers may be 12 orless, 10 or less, 8 or less, 6 or less, or 4 or less. In one embodiment,the grip member has 2 to 5 grip fingers. In one embodiment, the gripmember has 3 grip fingers. In some embodiments where the grip memberincludes a plurality of grip fingers, the grip fingers may be spacedequidistant from each other around the ring member.

According to an embodiment, the cap includes an outer shroud defining acavity. The outer shroud may comprise a cylindrical outer wall extendingbetween a first end wall and an open second end. The outer shroud maydefine a cavity for housing an inner shroud.

According to an embodiment, the cap includes an inner shroud. The innershroud may be constructed to at least partially fit within the cavity ofthe outer shroud. The inner shroud may have an outer wall comprising afirst part and a second part. The first and second parts may becylindrical elements with different diameters. The first part may be acylindrical wall with a first diameter, and the second part may be acylindrical wall with a second diameter. The second diameter may begreater than the first diameter. The second part may be coaxial with andbelow the first part such that a shoulder is formed at the transitionbetween the first and second parts. The shoulder may support acompression spring. The compression spring may fit around the firstpart. The compression spring may extend from the shoulder to the firstend wall of the outer shroud.

The outer wall of the inner shroud may extend between a first end walland an open second end. The inner shroud may define a cavity forreceiving the cartridge and for housing the grip member.

The grip member may be disposed inside a cavity of the cap. In someembodiments, the grip member is positioned within the inner shroud. Thegrip member may be oriented with the one or more grip fingers pointingupward from the ring member. The one or more grip fingers may be slantedradially inward toward the longitudinal (center) axis. When a cartridgeis received in the inner shroud, the ring member may circumscribe thecartridge body. The one or more grip fingers may be configured such thatthe ends of the grip fingers abut against an upper flange of thecartridge. The one or more grip fingers may have a length that is lessthan the height of the cartridge. The inside diameter of the ring membermay be greater than the greatest diameter of the cartridge. When the capis removed from the aerosol-generating device, the cartridge is removed(for example, lifted up) with the cap due to the grip fingers abuttingagainst the flange, and thus preventing the cartridge from falling outof the cavity.

The cap may optionally include a piercing assembly (for example, a toppiercing assembly). The cap may include an outer shroud and a piercingelement on the inside wall of the outer shroud. The piercing element mayextend axially downward inside the cavity of the outer shroud. Thepiercing element may be oriented toward a cartridge placed within areceptacle of the shisha device. The piercing element may be integralwith the outer shroud or may be attached to the inside of the first endwall of the outer shroud.

The inner shroud may have an opening at its first end wall. The openingmay be configured to receive the piercing element. The opening mayfurther include one or more recesses or channels for facilitatingairflow through the first end wall of the inner shroud while thepiercing element is received in the opening.

The cap may comprise an outer frame. The outer frame may comprise aprotrusion extending into the cavity of the outer frame from the insideof the first end wall. The protrusion may be configured for pressing onthe outer shroud. The protrusion may serve to leave a gap between thecap outer frame and the outer shroud.

The top piercing element may have any suitable shape for piercing a wallof the cartridge. For example, the top piercing element may comprise oneor more piercing edges or piercing points. The piercing edges orpiercing points are configured to pierce a wall (for example, top wall)of the cartridge. The number of piercing points or edges is notparticularly limited. The piercing element may have only a singlepiercing point or edge. The piercing element may have a plurality ofpiercing points or edges. For example, the piercing element may have 2or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, or 8 or morepiercing points or edges. The piercing element may have 20 or fewer, 15or fewer, 12 or fewer, 10 or fewer, or 8 or fewer piercing points oredges. In one embodiment, the piercing element is shaped like aninverted crown with multiple piercing points extending downward. Theinverted crown may have from 4 to 10 or from 6 to 8 piercing points oredges.

The outer and inner shrouds may include a track and pin system to guidethe movement of the outer and inner shrouds relative to one another. Theouter shroud may be vertically, horizontally, or both vertically andhorizontally movable. The inner shroud may be vertically, horizontally,or both vertically and horizontally movable. In one embodiment, theinner shroud defines the track and the outer shroud comprises one ormore pins. Alternatively, the track may be defined in the outer shroudand the one or more pins may be on the inner shroud. In one embodiment,the outer shroud comprises one or more pins extending radially inwardlyfrom its cylindrical outer wall. The inner shroud may include one ormore tracks corresponding to the one or more pins. The one or moretracks may be disposed on the second (lower) part of the inner shroud.The one or more tracks may define multiple positions of the outershroud. For example, the one or more tracks may define a first positionthat is a rest position, a second position that is a piercing position,and a third position that is a use position. When the outer shroud is inthe second position, the compression spring biases the outer shroudupward. The one or more tracks may also define a fourth position that isa release position of the cap. The release position may be used torelease the cap from the aerosol-generating device. When the outershroud is in the fourth position, the compression spring biases theouter shroud upward. As the compression spring biases the outer shroudupward, it also biases the cap outer frame upward.

The outer shroud may be pressed down (for example, by a user pressing onthe cap outer frame) from the first position to the second position. Inentering the second position, the piercing element engages and piercesthe cartridge. When pressure is released from the outer shroud, thecompression spring returns the outer shroud upward to a third position.In the third position, an airflow path is open through the openingsformed in the cartridge. The airflow path may be open between anexterior of the aerosol-generating device (for example, shisha device)and the vessel. The user may use the aerosol-generating device bydrawing on the mouthpiece. To release and remove the cap, the user mayagain press on the outer shroud (for example, by pressing on the capouter frame), causing the outer shroud to move to the fourth position.From the fourth position, the compression spring returns the outershroud to the initial first position (the rest position). In thisposition, the top of the cap may extend above the top edge of theaerosol-generating element and can be gripped by a user. While the capouter frame and the outer shroud move between the various positions, thecartridge may remain gripped by the grip member in at least some of thepositions. The cartridge remains gripped by the grip member at least inthe cap release position where the cap may be released from theaerosol-generating device.

The bottom of the cap outer frame may be attached to a support plate.The support plate may be configured to hold the various parts (forexample, grip member, outer shroud, and inner shroud) inside the cavityof the outer frame. The support plate may be a substantially round platewith a center hole extending through the plate. The hole may be sized toaccommodate the cartridge. The hole may also be sized to accept thereceptacle that may house the cartridge. The hole may have an angledinner edge tapered inward at its upper side. The angled inner edge mayaid in engaging the cap with the aerosol-generating element andreceiving the cartridge in the cap. The support plate may be attached inany suitable manner, such as by an adhesive or by a coupling element,such as screws, clips, a threaded coupling, snap fit, or friction fit.

The various parts of the cap and the grip member may be made from anysuitable material. Suitable materials include plastic, metal, ceramic,glass, and combinations thereof. Different parts of the system may bemade from different materials. For example, some parts, such as theouter shroud and inner shroud may be made of plastic, while other parts,such as the spring may be made of metal. Other combinations arepossible. The grip member is preferably made from a material that iscapable of flexing. For example, the grip member may be made from metal,plastic, or a combination thereof.

The shisha device may also optionally include a piercing assembly (forexample, a bottom piercing assembly). The bottom piercing assembly maybe disposed at the upper end of the stem pipe, below the cartridge. Thebottom piercing assembly may extend from the base of the receptacle intothe receptacle in a direction away from the base of the receptacle (forexample, upward). When the cap is pressed down, the cartridge may alsobe pressed against the bottom piercing assembly. The cap may be piercedby both piercing assemblies. The piercing assemblies may pierce the topand bottom walls of the cartridge.

The cartridge may be released from the grip member using a releasemechanism. The release mechanism may be part of a disposal system. Thedisposal system may include a cartridge release member. The cartridgerelease member may be configured to flex the grip fingers radiallyoutwardly. The cartridge release member may be configured to push thegrip fingers outward to release the cartridge. In some embodiments, thecartridge disposal device includes a disposal vessel with an opening.The cartridge release member may be disposed at the opening. Thecartridge release member may be a pressure ring. In some embodiments,the cartridge release member comprises a rim or mouth of the disposalvessel.

The cartridge release member (for example, a pressure ring or rim) mayhave a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the ring member ofthe grip member. The cartridge release member (for example, a pressurering or rim) may have a diameter that is larger than the greatestdiameter of the cartridge. Contacting the grip member with the cartridgerelease member may include inserting the rim of the cartridge disposaldevice between the cartridge and the ring member of the grip member toflex the one or more grip fingers, releasing the cartridge from the gripmember.

In some embodiments, the release mechanism is part of the cap. Therelease mechanism may be actuated to release the cartridge from the gripmember.

The cartridge may comprise any suitable body defining a cavity.Aerosol-forming substrate may be disposed in the cavity of thecartridge. The body is preferably formed from one or more heat resistantmaterials, such as a heat resistant metal or polymer. The body maycomprise a thermally conductive material. For example, the body maycomprise any of aluminum, copper, zinc, nickel, silver, any alloysthereof, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the body comprisesaluminum.

The cartridge may be of any suitable shape. For example, the cartridgemay have a shape configured to be received by a shisha device. Thecartridge may have a substantially cuboidal shape, cylindrical shape,frustoconical shape, or any other suitable shape. Preferably, thecartridge has a generally cylindrical shape or a frustoconical shape.

The aerosol-generating device (for example, shisha device) is configuredto heat the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge. The device maybe configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge byconduction. The cartridge is preferably shaped and sized to allowcontact with, or minimize distance from, a heating element of the shishadevice to provide efficient heat transfer from the heating element tothe aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge. The heat may begenerated by any suitable mechanism, such as by resistive heating or byinduction. In order to facilitate inductive heating, the cartridge maybe provided with a susceptor. For example, the cartridge body may bemade from or include a material (for example, aluminum) that is capableof acting as a susceptor, or a susceptor material may be provided withinthe cavity of the cartridge. A susceptor material may be provided withinthe cavity of the cartridge in any form, for example a powder, a solidblock, shreds, etc.

Any suitable aerosol-forming substrate may be provided in the cavitydefined by the body of the cartridge. The aerosol-forming substrate ispreferably a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds. Theaerosol-forming substrate is preferably a substrate capable of releasingcompounds that may form an aerosol. The volatile compounds may bereleased by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The volatilecompounds may be released by a chemical reaction or by a mechanicalstimulus, such as ultrasound. Aerosol-forming substrate may be solid orliquid or may comprise both solid and liquid components. Aerosol-formingsubstrate may be adsorbed, coated, impregnated or otherwise loaded ontoa carrier or support.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine. The nicotinecontaining aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a nicotine saltmatrix. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise plant-based material.The aerosol-forming substrate preferably comprises tobacco. The tobaccocontaining material preferably comprises volatile tobacco flavorcompounds, which are released from the aerosol-forming substrate uponheating. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenized tobaccomaterial. Homogenized tobacco material may be formed by agglomeratingparticulate tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may alternatively oradditionally comprise a non-tobacco-containing material. Theaerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenized plant-based material.Aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least one aerosol-former.Aerosol-forming substrate may comprise other additives and ingredients,such as flavorants. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate is ashisha substrate. A shisha substrate is understood to mean a consumablematerial that is suitable for use in a shisha device. Shisha substratemay include molasses.

The aerosol-forming substrate may include, for example, one or more of:powder, granules, pellets, shreds, spaghettis, strips, or sheets. Theaerosol-forming substrate may contain one or more of: herb leaf, tobaccoleaf, fragments of tobacco ribs, reconstituted tobacco, homogenizedtobacco, extruded tobacco, and expanded tobacco.

The aerosol-forming substrate may include at least one aerosol former.Suitable aerosol formers include compounds or mixtures of compoundswhich, in use, facilitate formation of a dense and stable aerosol andwhich are substantially resistant to thermal degradation at theoperating temperature of the shisha device. Suitable aerosol formers arewell known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyhydricalcohols, such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and glycerine;esters of polyhydric alcohols, such as glycerol mono-, di- ortriacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids,such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate.Particularly preferred aerosol formers are polyhydric alcohols ormixtures thereof, such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and, mostpreferred, glycerine. The aerosol-forming substrate may include anysuitable amount of an aerosol former. For example, the aerosol formercontent of the substrate may be equal to or greater than 5% on a dryweight basis, and preferably greater than 30% by weight on a dry weightbasis. The aerosol former content may be less than about 95% on a dryweight basis. Preferably, the aerosol former content is up to about 55%.

The aerosol-forming substrate preferably includes nicotine and at leastone aerosol former. In some embodiments, the aerosol former is glycerineor a mixture of glycerine and one or more other suitable aerosolformers, such as those listed above.

The aerosol-forming substrate may include other additives andingredients, such as flavorants, sweeteners, etc. In some examples, theaerosol-forming substrate includes one or more sugars in any suitableamount. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate includes invert sugar.Invert sugar is a mixture of glucose and fructose obtained by splittingsucrose.

Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate includes from about 1% toabout 40% sugar, such as invert sugar, by weight. In some example, oneor more sugars may be mixed with a suitable carrier such as cornstarchor maltodextrin.

In some examples, the aerosol-forming substrate includes one or moresensory-enhancing agents. Suitable sensory-enhancing agents includeflavorants and sensation agents, such as cooling agents. Suitableflavorants include natural or synthetic menthol, peppermint, spearmint,coffee, tea, spices (such as cinnamon, clove, ginger, or combinationthereof), cocoa, vanilla, fruit flavors, chocolate, eucalyptus,geranium, eugenol, agave, juniper, anethole, linalool, and anycombination thereof.

In some examples, the aerosol-forming substrate is in the form of asuspension. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may includemolasses. As used herein, “molasses” means an aerosol-forming substratecomposition comprising about 20% or more sugar. For example, themolasses may include at least about 25% by weight sugar, such as atleast about 35% by weight sugar. Typically, the molasses will containless than about 60% by weight sugar, such as less than about 50% byweight sugar.

Any suitable amount of aerosol-forming substrate (for example, molassesor tobacco substrate) may be disposed in the cavity. In some preferredembodiments, about 3 g to about 25 g of the aerosol-forming substrate isdisposed in the cavity. The cartridge may include at least 6 g, at least7 g, at least 8 g, or at least 9 g of aerosol-forming substrate. Thecartridge may include up to 15 g, up to 12 g; up to 11 g, or up to 10 gof aerosol-forming substrate. Preferably, from about 7 g to about 13 gof aerosol-forming substrate is disposed in the cavity.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided on or embedded in athermally stable carrier. The term “thermally stable” is used herein toindicate a material that does not substantially degrade at temperaturesto which the substrate is typically heated (e.g., about 150° C. to about300° C.). The carrier may comprise a thin layer on which the substratedeposited on a first major surface, on second major outer surface, or onboth the first and second major surfaces. The carrier may be formed of,for example, a paper, or paper-like material, a non-woven carbon fibermat, a low mass open mesh metallic screen, or a perforated metallic foilor any other thermally stable polymer matrix. Alternatively, the carriermay take the form of powder, granules, pellets, shreds, spaghettis,strips or sheets. The carrier may be a non-woven fabric or fiber bundleinto which tobacco components have been incorporated. The non-wovenfabric or fiber bundle may comprise, for example, carbon fibers, naturalcellulose fibers, or cellulose-derivative fibers.

The body of the cartridge may include one or more walls. In someembodiments, the body includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and asidewall. The sidewall may be cylindrical or frustoconical, extendingfrom the bottom to the top. The body may include one or more parts. Forexample, the sidewall and the bottom wall may be an integral singlepart. The sidewall and the bottom wall may be two parts configured toengage one another in any suitable manner. For example, the sidewall andthe bottom wall may be configured to engage one another by threadedengagement or interference fit. The sidewall and the bottom wall may betwo parts joined together. For example, the sidewall and the bottom wallmay be joined together by welding or by an adhesive. The top wall andsidewall may be a single integral part. The sidewall and the top wallmay be two parts configured to engage one another in any suitablemanner. For example, sidewall and the top wall may be configured toengage one another by threaded engagement or interference fit. Thesidewall and the top wall may be two parts joined together. For example,the sidewall and the top wall may be joined together by welding or by anadhesive. The top wall, sidewall and bottom wall may all be a singleintegral part. The top wall, the sidewall, and the bottom wall may bethree separate parts configured to engage one another in any suitablemanner. For example, the top wall, the sidewall, and the bottom wall maybe configured to engage by threaded engagement interference fit,welding, or an adhesive.

One or more walls of the body may form a heatable wall or surface. Asused herein, “heatable wall” and “heatable surface” mean an area of awall or a surface to which heat may be applied, either directly orindirectly. The heatable wall or surface may function as a heat transfersurface through which heat may be transferred from outside of the bodyto the cavity or to an internal surface of the cavity.

Preferably, the body of the cartridge has a length (for example, anaxial length along a vertical center axis) of about 15 cm or less. Insome embodiments, the body has a length of about 10 cm or less. The bodymay have an inside diameter of about 1 cm or more. The inside diameterof the body may be about 1.75 cm or more. The cartridge may have aheatable surface area in the cavity from about 25 cm² to about 100 cm²,such as from about 70 cm² to about 100 cm². The volume of the cavity maybe from about 10 cm³ to about 50 cm³; preferably from about 25 cm³ toabout 40 cm³. In some embodiments, the body has a length in a range fromabout 3.5 cm to about 7 cm. The inside diameter of the body may be fromabout 1.5 cm to about 4 cm. The body may have a heatable surface area inthe cavity from about 30 cm² to about 100 cm², such as from about 70 cm²to about 100 cm². The volume of the cavity may be from about 10 cm³ toabout 50 cm³; preferably from about 25 cm³ to about 40 cm³. Preferably,the body is cylindrical or frustoconical.

The cartridge body may include one or more openings or ventilation holesthrough one or more walls of the body. The ventilation holes may beinlets, outlets, or both. The ventilation holes may be disposed at thebottom wall, top wall, sides, or a combination thereof, of thecartridge. In some embodiments, the cartridge does not include anypreformed openings or ventilation holes. In some embodiments, thecartridge includes preformed openings or ventilation holes only in onewall. For example, the cartridge may include openings or ventilationholes in the bottom wall only. In some embodiments, one or more inletsor one or more outlets are formed in the cartridge walls by the piercingassembly to allow air to flow through the aerosol-forming substrate whenthe cartridge is used with a shisha device. In some embodiments, one ormore inlets and outlets are formed in the cartridge walls by thepiercing assembly to allow air to flow through the aerosol-formingsubstrate when the cartridge is used with a shisha device. In someembodiments, the bottom wall of the cartridge may define one or moreopenings to form the one or more outlets of the cartridge. Preferably,the one or more inlets and outlets are sized and shaped to provide asuitable resistance to draw (RTD) through the cartridge. In someexamples, the RTD through the cartridge, from the inlet or inlets to theoutlet or outlets, may be from about 10 mm H₂O to about 50 mm H₂O,preferably from about 20 mm H₂O to about 40 mm H₂O. The RTD of aspecimen refers to the static pressure difference between the two endsof the specimen when it is traversed by an air flow under steadyconditions in which the volumetric flow is 17.5 milliliters per secondat the output end. The RTD of a specimen may be measured using themethod set out in ISO Standard 6565:2002.

The one or more openings, once formed, on the body may cover 5% orgreater, 10% or greater, 15% or greater, 20% or greater, or 25% orgreater of the area of the wall the openings are on. For example, if theopenings are on the top wall, the openings may cover at least 5% of thearea of the top wall. The one or more openings on the body may cover 75%or less, 50% or less, 40% or less, or 30% or less of the area of thewall the openings are on.

The cartridge may further include a seal or layer covering one or morepreformed openings prior to use. The cartridge may include a firstremovable seal covering the one or more inlets and a second removableseal covering the one or more outlets. The first and second seals arepreferably sufficient to prevent air flow through the inlets and outletsto prevent leakage of the contents of the cartridge and to extend shelflife. The seal may comprise a peelable label of sticker, foil, or thelike. The seal may comprise a pierceable label of sticker, foil, or thelike. The label, sticker, or foil may be affixed to the cartridge in anysuitable manner, such as with an adhesive, crimping, welding, orotherwise being joined to the container. The seal may comprise a tabthat may be grasped to peel or remove the label, sticker, or foil fromthe cartridge.

In some embodiments the cartridge is a shisha cartridge that may be usedwith any suitable shisha device. Preferably, the shisha device isconfigured to sufficiently heat the aerosol-forming substrate in thecartridge to form an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate but notto combust the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the shisha devicemay be configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperaturein a range from about 150° C. to about 300° C.; more preferably fromabout 180° C. to about 250° C. or from about 200° C. to about 230° C.

The shisha device may include a receptacle for receiving the cartridge.The shisha device may include a heating element configured to contact orto be in proximity to the body of the cartridge when the cartridge isreceived in the receptacle. The heating element may form at least partof the receptacle. For example, the heating element may form at least aportion of the surface of the receptacle. The shisha cartridge may beconfigured to transfer heat from the heating element to theaerosol-forming substrate in the cavity by conduction. In someembodiments, the heating element includes an electric heating element.In some embodiments, the heating element includes a resistive heatingcomponent. For example, the heating element may include one or moreresistive wires or other resistive elements. The resistive wires may bein contact with a thermally conductive material to distribute heatproduced over a broader area. Examples of suitable conductive materialsinclude aluminum, copper, zinc, nickel, silver, and combinationsthereof. The heating element may form at least a portion of the surfaceof the receptacle.

The shisha device may include control electronics operably coupled tothe heating element. The control electronics may be configured tocontrol heating of the heating element. The control electronics may beconfigured to control the temperature to which the aerosol-formingsubstrate in the cartridge is heated. The control electronics may beprovided in any suitable form and may, for example, include a controlleror a memory and a controller. The controller may include one or more ofan Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) state machine, adigital signal processor, a gate array, a microprocessor, or equivalentdiscrete or integrated logic circuitry. Control electronics may includememory that contains instructions that cause one or more components ofthe circuitry to carry out a function or aspect of the controlelectronics. Functions attributable to control electronics in thisdisclosure may be embodied as one or more of software, firmware, andhardware.

The electronic circuitry may include a microprocessor, which may be aprogrammable microprocessor. The electronic circuitry may be configuredto regulate a supply of power. The power may be supplied to the heaterelement in the form of pulses of electrical current.

In some examples, the control electronics may be configured to monitorthe electrical resistance of the heating element and to control thesupply of power to the heating element depending on the electricalresistance of the heating element. In this manner, the controlelectronics may regulate the temperature of the resistive element.

The shisha device may include a temperature sensor, such as athermocouple. The temperature sensor may be operably coupled to thecontrol electronics to control the temperature of the heating element.The temperature sensor may be positioned in any suitable location. Forexample, the temperature sensor may be configured to insert into thecartridge when received within the receptacle to monitor the temperatureof the aerosol-forming substrate being heated. In addition oralternatively, the temperature sensor may be in contact with the heatingelement. In addition or alternatively, the temperature sensor may bepositioned to detect temperature at an aerosol outlet of the shishadevice or a portion thereof. The sensor may transmit signals regardingthe sensed temperature to the control electronics. The controlelectronics may adjust heating of the heating elements in response tothe signal to achieve a suitable temperature at the sensor.

The control electronics may be operably coupled to a power supply. Theshisha device may include any suitable power supply. For example, apower supply of a shisha device may be a battery or set of batteries.The batteries of the power supply may be rechargeable, removable andreplaceable, or rechargeable and removable and replaceable. Any suitablebattery may be used. For example, heavy duty type or standard batteriesexisting in the market, such as used for industrial heavy-dutyelectrical power-tools. Alternatively, the power supply may be any typeof electric power supply including a super or hyper-capacitor.Alternatively, the assembly may be connected to an external electricalpower source, and electrically and electronically designed for suchpurpose. Regardless of the type of power supply employed, the powersupply preferably provides sufficient energy for the normal functioningof the assembly for at least one shisha session until aerosol isdepleted from the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge beforebeing recharged or needing to connect to an external electrical powersource. Preferably, the power supply provides sufficient energy for thenormal functioning of the assembly for at least about 70 minutes ofcontinuous operation of the device, before being recharged or needing toconnect to an external electrical power source.

In one example, a shisha device includes an aerosol-generating elementthat includes a cartridge receptacle, a heating element, an aerosoloutlet, and an air inlet. The cartridge receptacle is configured toreceive a cartridge according to the present disclosure containing theaerosol-forming substrate. The heating element may define at least partof a surface of the receptacle.

The shisha device includes an air inlet channel in fluid connection withthe receptacle. In use, when the substrate inside the cartridge isheated, aerosol former components in the substrate vaporize. Air flowingfrom the air inlet channel through the cartridge becomes entrained withaerosol generated from the aerosol former components in the cartridge.

Some electrically heated shisha devices employ pre-heated air andtypically employ an airflow path such that the air travels in thevicinity of the heat source upon puffing. Further, some electricallyheated shisha devices employ elements that increase radiation heattransfer by increasing the heated surface area.

The air inlet channel may include one or more apertures through thecartridge receptacle such that air from outside the shisha device mayflow through the channel and into the cartridge receptacle through theone or more apertures. If a channel includes more than one aperture, thechannel may include a manifold to direct air flowing through the channelto each aperture. Preferably, the shisha device includes two or more airinlet channels.

As described above, the cartridge includes one or more openings (such asinlets or outlets) formed in the body, allowing air to flow through thecartridge. If the receptacle includes one or more inlet apertures, atleast some of the inlets in the cartridge may align with the aperturesin the top of the receptacle. The cartridge may include an alignmentfeature configured to mate with a complementary alignment feature of thereceptacle to align the inlets of the cartridge with the apertures ofthe receptacle when the cartridge is inserted into the receptacle.

Air that enters the cartridge may flow across or through, or both acrossand through the aerosol-forming substrate, entraining aerosol, andexiting the cartridge and receptacle via an aerosol outlet. From theaerosol outlet, the air carrying the aerosol enters a vessel of theshisha device via the stem pipe.

The shisha device may include any suitable vessel defining an interiorvolume configured to contain a liquid and defining an outlet in theheadspace above a liquid fill level. The vessel may include an opticallytransparent or opaque housing to allow a consumer to observe contentscontained in the vessel. The vessel may include a liquid filldemarcation, such as a liquid fill line. The vessel housing may beformed of any suitable material. For example, the vessel housing mayinclude glass or suitable rigid plastic material. Preferably, the vesselis removable from a portion of the shisha assembly comprising theaerosol-generation element to allow a consumer to fill, empty or cleanthe vessel.

The vessel may be filled to a liquid fill level by a consumer. Theliquid preferably includes water, which may optionally be infused withone or more colorants, flavorants, or colorants and flavorants. Forexample, the water may be infused with one or both of botanical andherbal infusions.

Aerosol entrained in air exiting the aerosol outlet of the receptaclemay travel through a conduit positioned in the vessel. The conduit maybe coupled to the aerosol outlet of the aerosol-generating element andmay have an opening below the liquid fill level of the vessel, such thataerosol flowing through the vessel flows through the opening of theconduit, then through the liquid, into headspace of the vessel and exitsthrough a headspace outlet, for delivery to a consumer.

The headspace outlet may be coupled to a hose comprising a mouthpiecefor delivering the aerosol to a consumer. The mouthpiece may include anactivation element, such as a switch activatable by a user, a puffsensor arranged to detect a user puffing on the mouthpiece, or both aswitch activatable by the user and a puff sensor. The activation elementis operably coupled to the control electronics of the shisha device. Theactivation element may be wirelessly coupled to the control electronics.Activation of the activation element may cause the control electronicsto activate the heating element, rather than constantly supplying energyto the heating element. Accordingly, the use of an activation elementmay serve to save energy relative to devices not employing such elementsto provide on-demand heating rather than constant heating.

For purposes of example, one method for using a shisha device asdescribed herein is provided below in chronological order. The vesselmay be detached from other components of the shisha device and filledwith water. One or more of natural fruit juices, botanicals, and herbalinfusions may be added to the water for flavoring. The amount of liquidadded should cover a portion of the conduit but should not exceed a filllevel mark that may optionally exist on the vessel. The vessel is thenreassembled to the shisha device. The cartridge may be placed into thereceptacle. The cap may be placed onto the receptacle and cartridge suchthat the cartridge is received in the cavity inside the cap. The gripmember grips the cartridge as the grip fingers slide below the top ofthe cartridge. The user may press the cap down against the cartridgesuch that the piercing element (for example, the top piercing assembly,the bottom piercing assembly, or both the top and bottom piercingassemblies) engages the cartridge to pierce one or more walls of thecartridge. The device may then be turned on. Turning on the device mayinitiate a heating profile of a heating element, to heat theaerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at or above a vaporizationtemperature but below a combustion temperature of the aerosol-formingsubstrate. The aerosol forming compounds of the aerosol-formingsubstrate vaporize, generating an aerosol. The user may puff on themouthpiece as desired. The user may continue using the device as long asdesired or until no more aerosol is visible or being delivered. In someembodiments, the device may be arranged to automatically shut off whenthe cartridge or a compartment of the cartridge is depleted of usableaerosol-forming substrate. The user may press on the cap to release thecap. The top of the cap may rise above the top level of theaerosol-generating element's body, allowing the user to grip the top ofthe cap. The user may remove the cap, removing also the cartridge thatis gripped by the grip member. In some embodiments, the consumer mayrefill the device with a fresh cartridge after, for example, receivingthe cue from the device that the aerosol-forming substrate in thecartridge is depleted or nearly depleted. The shisha device may beturned off at any time by a consumer by, for example, switching off thedevice. The user may discard the cartridge by contacting the grip memberwith a release member of a disposal device, or by actuating a releasemechanism on the cap.

The shisha device may have any suitable air management. In one example,puffing action from the user will create a suction effect causing a lowpressure inside the device which will cause external air to flow throughan air inlet of the device, into the air inlet channel, and into thereceptacle. The air may then flow through the cartridge in thereceptacle and become entrained with aerosol produced from theaerosol-forming substrate. The air with entrained aerosol then exits theaerosol outlet of the receptacle, flows through the conduit to theliquid inside the vessel. The aerosol will then bubble out of the liquidand into head space in the vessel above the level of the liquid, out theheadspace outlet, and through the hose and mouthpiece for delivery tothe consumer. The flow of external air and the flow of the aerosolinside the shisha device may be driven by the action of puffing from theuser.

Reference will now be made to the drawings, which depict one or moreembodiments described in this disclosure. However, it will be understoodthat other embodiments not depicted in the drawings fall within thescope and spirit of this disclosure. Like numbers used in the figuresrefer to like components. The use of different numbers to refer tocomponents in different figures is not intended to indicate that thedifferent numbered components cannot be the same or similar to othernumbered components. The figures are presented for purposes ofillustration and not limitation. Schematic drawings presented in thefigures are not necessarily to scale.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a shisha device.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic top and bottom perspective views,respectively, of the body of a shisha cartridge for use in the shishadevice of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3A is a schematic top view of a shisha cartridge after having beenpierced by the piercing assembly according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3B is a schematic bottom view of a shisha cartridge use in theshisha device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic view of a shisha device and cap in useaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 5A is cross-sectional side view of the cap of FIG. 4A according toan embodiment.

FIG. 5B is an exploded view of the cap of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the cap frame of the cap ofFIG. 4A according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the outer shroud of the cap ofFIG. 4A according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of the spring of the cap of FIG.4A according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of the inner shroud of the cap ofFIG. 4A according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of the support plate of the capof FIG. 4A according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of the grip member of the cap ofFIG. 4A according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are schematic side and top views, respectively, of thegrip member of FIG. 4A according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 13A-13D are side views of the track and pin in different positionsduring use of the cap of FIG. 4A according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are schematic side and top views, respectively, of acartridge disposal device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a cross sectional schematic partial view of the use of thecap of FIG. 4A and the cartridge disposal device of FIGS. 14A and 14Baccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of an example of a shisha device100. The device 100 includes a vessel 17 defining an interior volumeconfigured to contain liquid 19 and defining a headspace outlet 15 abovea fill level for the liquid 19. The liquid 19 preferably includes water,which may optionally be infused with one or more colorants, one or moreflavorants, or one or more colorants and one or more flavorants. Forexample, the water may be infused with one or both of botanicalinfusions and herbal infusions.

The device 100 also includes an aerosol-generating element 130. Theaerosol-generating element 130 includes a receptacle 140 configured toreceive a cartridge 200 comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. Theaerosol-generating element 130 may also include a heating element 160.The heating element 160 may form at least one surface of the receptacle140. In the depicted embodiment, the heating element 160 defines theside surfaces of the receptacle 140. The aerosol-generating element 130also includes an air inlet channel 170 that draws air into the device100. In some embodiments, portion of the air inlet channel 170 is formedby the heating element 160 to heat the air before the air enters thereceptacle 140. The pre-heated air then enters the cartridge 200, whichis also heated by heating element 160, to carry aerosol generated by theaerosol former and the aerosol-forming substrate. The air exits anoutlet of the aerosol-generating element 130 and enters a conduit 190.

The conduit 190 carries the air and aerosol into the vessel 17 below thelevel of the liquid 19. The air and aerosol may bubble through theliquid 19 and exit the headspace outlet 15 of the vessel 17. A hose 20may be attached to the headspace outlet 15 to carry the aerosol to themouth of a user. A mouthpiece 25 may be attached to, or form a part of,the hose 20.

An exemplary air flow path of the device, in use, is depicted by thickarrows in FIG. 1 .

The mouthpiece 25 may include an activation element 27. The activationelement 27 may be a switch, button or the like, or may be a puff sensoror the like. The activation element 27 may be placed at any othersuitable location of the device 100. The activation element 27 may be inwireless communication with the control electronics 30 to place thedevice 100 in condition for use or to cause control electronics toactivate the heating element 160; for example, by causing power supply35 to energize the heating element 160.

The control electronics 30 and power supply 35 may be located in anysuitable position of the aerosol-generating element 130, includinglocations other than the bottom portion of the element 130 as depictedin FIG. 1 .

Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, various embodiments of the cartridgebody 210 are shown. The body 210 may include a side wall 212, a top wall215, and a bottom wall 213 defining a cavity 218. The side wall 212 maybe cylindrical or frustoconical, as shown. FIG. 2A shows the body 210with a portion of the top 215 removed, showing the cavity 218 inside thebody. The body 210 may define a center axis A extending through the body210. The top may comprise a flange 219 that extends from the sidewall212 as shown in FIG. 2B.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, one or both of the top 215 and bottom213 of the body may have a plurality of apertures 217, 216 to allow airflow through the cartridge when the cartridge is in use. Some or all ofthe apertures 217, 216 may be formed by a piercing assembly. Forexample, the apertures 217 of the top 215 may be formed by a toppiercing assembly 401. The apertures 216 of the bottom 213 may be formedby a bottom piercing assembly 301. The cartridge 200 may also oralternatively include apertures along the sidewall 212. In embodimentswhere the top or bottom includes pre-formed apertures, the apertures maybe blocked by a peelable seal or liner when the cartridge is storedprior to use.

A partial schematic view of a shisha device 100 with the cap 400 andgrip member 450 is shown in FIG. 4A. The grip member 450 is configuredto grip the cartridge 200. The cap 400 may include an outer frame 410housing the grip member 450. The grip member 450 may include a ringmember 451 and one or more grip fingers 452. The one or more gripfingers may be configured to abut against the flange 219 of thecartridge 200 when the cartridge 200 is received in the receptacle andthe cap 400 is placed over the cartridge 200.

The cap 400 may optionally include a piercing assembly 401 (for example,a top piercing assembly). The cap 400 may include an outer shroud 420and a piercing element 440 on the inside wall of the outer shroud 420.In some embodiments, such as those illustrated for example, the piercingelement 440 may be disposed on the inside end wall 421. The piercingassembly 401 may further include an inner shroud 430 at least partiallydisposed within the outer shroud. The piercing element 440 may beoriented toward a cartridge 200 placed within a receptacle of the shishadevice 100. The shisha device 100 may also optionally include a piercingassembly 301 (for example, a bottom piercing assembly) at the upstreamend of the stem pipe 190. Once the cartridge 200 has been pierced by oneor both piercing assemblies 301, 401, an airflow path is establishedthrough the cartridge 200, as shown in FIG. 4B.

An example of a cap 400 and grip member 450 is shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B.Detailed views of each of the elements of the cap 400 and grip member450 are shown in FIGS. 6-11 . The cap 400 and grip member 450 may definea longitudinal axis A. The longitudinal axis A may be a center axis.When the cap 400 is arranged on the shisha device 100, the longitudinalaxis A may be coaxial with the hollow tube of the stem pipe 190.

The cap outer frame 410, shown in FIG. 6 , may comprise a cylindricalouter wall 413 extending between a first end wall 411 and an open secondend 412. The outer frame 410 may define a cavity 419 for housing thepiercing assembly 401. The first end wall 411 may have a protrusion 414extending from the inside wall. The protrusion 414 may be configured forpressing on the outer shroud 420 while leaving a gap between the capouter frame 410 and the outer shroud 420.

According to an embodiment, the cap 400 includes a grip member 450configured to grip the cartridge 200. The grip member 450, shown inFIGS. 11, 12A, and 12B, may include a ring member 451 and one or moregrip fingers 452. The one or more grip fingers 452 may comprise springfingers. The one or more grip fingers 452 extend from the ring member451 to upper ends 453. In some embodiments where the grip member 450includes a plurality of grip fingers 452, the grip fingers 452 may bepositioned equidistant from each other around the ring member 451.

The grip member 450 may be disposed inside a cavity of the cap 400. Thegrip member 450 may be positioned within the inner shroud 430, as shownin FIG. 5A. The grip member 450 may be oriented such that the one ormore grip fingers 452 point upward from the ring member 451. The one ormore grip fingers 452 may be slanted radially inward toward thelongitudinal (center) axis A. The one or more grip fingers 452 may beconfigured such that the ends of the grip fingers 452 abut against anupper flange 219 of the cartridge 200 when the cartridge 200 is receivedin the inner shroud 430. The inside diameter of the ring member 451 maybe greater than the greatest diameter of the cartridge 200.

The outer shroud 420, shown in FIG. 7 , is constructed to at leastpartially fit within the cavity 419 of the cap outer frame 410. Theouter shroud 420 may comprise a cylindrical outer wall 423 extendingbetween a first end wall 421 and an open second end 422. The outershroud 420 may define a cavity 429 for housing the piercing element 440and the inner shroud 430. The outer shroud 420 may comprise a piercingelement 440. The piercing element 440 extends axially downward insidethe cavity of the outer shroud 420. The piercing element 440 is centeredwith respect to a longitudinal axis A of the outer shroud 420. Thepiercing element 440 may be integral with the outer shroud 420 or may beattached to the inside of the first end wall 421 of the outer shroud420. The piercing element 440 may comprise one or more piecing edges orpiercing points 441. The piecing edges or piercing points 441 areconfigured to pierce a wall (for example, top wall) of the cartridge200. The piercing element 440 may be configured such that the piercingelement 440 is able to fit through an opening 437 on the inner shroud430. The outer shroud 420 may comprise a bottom flange 427. The bottomflange 427 may extend outwardly from the bottom of the outer wall 423.

The inner shroud 430, shown in FIG. 9 , is constructed to at leastpartially fit within the cavity 429 of the outer shroud 420. The innershroud 430 may have an outer wall comprising first part 433 and a secondpart 434. The first part 433 may be a cylindrical wall with a firstdiameter, and the second part 434 may be a cylindrical wall with asecond diameter. The second diameter may be greater than the firstdiameter. The first and second parts 433, 434 may be separated by ashoulder 435. The shoulder 435 may be constructed to support thecompression spring 470 (shown in FIG. 8 ). The compression spring 470may fit around the first part 433. The end of the compression spring 470may be supported on the shoulder 435, so that the spring may becompressed against the shoulder 435. The outer wall of the inner shroud430 may extend between a first end wall 431 and an open second end 432.The inner shroud 430 may define a cavity 439 for housing the grip member450 and for receiving a cartridge 200. The inner shroud 430 may have anopening 437 at the first end wall 431. The opening 437 may be configuredto receive the piercing element 440. The opening 437 may further includeone or more channels 438 for facilitating airflow through the innershroud 430 while the piercing element 440 is received in the opening437.

The outer frame 410 may optionally include screw holes 462 configuredfor fastening a support plate 460 (FIG. 10 ) to the bottom of the outerframe 410. Alternatively, the support plate 460 may be fastened by othermeans, such as by an adhesive. The support plate 460 may be asubstantially round plate with a center hole 461 extending through theplate. The support plate 410 may be sized to hold the outer and innershrouds 420, 430 inside the cavity 419 of the outer frame 410, as shownin FIG. 5A. The support plate 410 may also hold the grip member 450inside the cavity 419 of the outer frame 410.

The outer and inner shrouds 420, 430 may include a track and pin systemto guide the movement of the outer and inner shrouds 420, 430 relativeto one another. The outer shroud 420 may comprise one or more pins 425extending radially inwardly from its cylindrical outer wall 423. Theinner shroud 430 may include one or more tracks 436 corresponding to theone or more pins 425. An exemplary track 436 and the path guided by thetrack 436 are shown in FIGS. 13A-13D. The positions of the track 436 andpin 425 may define the relative positions of the outer and inner shrouds420, 430. At first, the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420 arein a first position P1. That is, the pin 425 is in the first position P1within the track 436. The first position P1 may be considered a restposition. The guide track may comprise a first portion and a secondportion. The guide track may comprise a second position P2, which may bea piercing position of the piercing element. The first portion maydefine a first distance between the first position P1 and a secondposition P2. The first portion may define a third position P3. The thirdposition P3 may be a use position. The second portion may define asecond distance between the third position P3 and a fourth position P4.The second distance may be shorter than the first distance. The firstportion may guide the track pin in an axial direction and in a radialdirection.

In the first position P1, the grip member 450 engages the cartridge 200.For example, the upper ends 453 of the grip fingers 452 may slide past(below) the flange 219 of the cartridge when the cap is placed into thefirst position P1. Alternatively, the grip member 450 may engage thecartridge 200 later as the cap 400 is pushed down. A force may beapplied to the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420, forexample, the cap 400 may be pressed down (for example, by a user) tomove the pin from the first position to the second position P2 (seearrow in FIG. 13A). In the second position P2, the piercing element 440may also engage and pierce the cartridge 200. When force is removed, forexample when pressure is released from (for example, the user lets goof) the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420, the compressionspring 470 returns the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420 upto a third position P3. The movement of the cap during the initialpushing down of the cap to pierce the cartridge and the release of thecap to allow the cap to return to the third (use) position is defined bythe first portion of the track. In the third position P3, the gripmember 450 remains engaged with the cartridge 200. In the third positionP3, an airflow path is open through the openings formed in the cartridge200, and is open between an exterior of the shisha device and thevessel. To release and remove the cap 400, the user may again press onthe cap outer frame 410, causing the cap outer frame 410 and the outershroud 420 to move to a fourth position P4, from where the compressionspring 470 returns the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420 tothe initial first position P1. The movement of the cap during the secondinstance of pushing down of the cap to release the cap is defined by thesecond portion of the track. When the cap returns to the first positionP1, the grip member 450 remains engaged with the cartridge 200, liftingthe cartridge 200 upward with the cap. The top of the cap 400 may beraised above the top edge of the aerosol-generating element. The usermay then remove (for example, lift) the cap from the aerosol-generatingelement, thus removing the cartridge 200 with the cap.

In some embodiments, a disposal system 600, shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B,may be used with the shisha device 100 and the cap 400. The disposalsystem 600 may be used to remove and optionally dispose of the cartridge200. The disposal system 600 may comprise a cartridge disposal device601. The cartridge disposal device 601 may comprise a cartridge releasemember 610. The cartridge release member 610 may be a pressure ring. Thecartridge release member 610 may be constructed to mate with the gripmember 450. The cartridge release member 610 (for example, a pressurering or rim) may have a diameter D610 that is smaller than an insidediameter D451 of the ring member 451 of the grip member 450, but largerthan the greatest diameter of the cartridge 200.

The grip fingers 452 of the grip member 450 may be biased toward adefault position. Contacting the grip member 450 with the cartridgerelease member 610 may push the grip fingers 452 outward, away from thedefault position. Contacting the grip member 450 with the cartridgerelease member 610 may comprise engaging the cartridge release member610 between the cartridge 200 and the ring member 451 of the grip member450 to flex the one or more grip fingers 452, releasing the cartridge200 from the grip member 450.

The disposal system 600 may comprise a disposal vessel 620 with anopening 621. The shape of the disposal vessel 620 is not particularlylimited, and is shown in dashed lines. The cartridge release member 610may be disposed at the opening 621. In some embodiments, the cartridgerelease member 610 comprises a rim or mouth of the opening 621.Contacting the grip member 450 with the cartridge release member 610 maycomprise engaging the rim of the cartridge disposal device 601 betweenthe cartridge 200 and the ring member 451 of the grip member 450.

The operation of the shisha device 100 and the cap 400 and the removalof the cartridge 200 using a disposal system 600 are schematically shownin FIG. 15 . The shisha device 100 includes an aerosol-generatingelement 130 with a receptacle 140 configured to receive a cartridge 200comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating element130 may also include a heating element 160. The heating element 160 mayform a part of the receptacle 140. A user may begin by placing thecartridge 200 in the receptacle 140 (step 1) and placing the cap 400onto the cartridge 200 (step 2) such that the cartridge 200 is receivedin the inner shroud 430 and the grip member 450 slides past the top ofthe cartridge 200 such that the grip fingers 452 grip the cartridge 200.If the cap includes a piercing assembly, the user may push on the cap topierce the cartridge 200 (step 3). After letting go of the cap 400, thespring 470 pushes the cap frame 410 and outer shroud 420 up into theoperating position (step 4). In the operating position, the air paththrough the cartridge 200 is open, and the user may use the shishadevice as usual. The grip member 450 remains engaged with the cartridge200. After using the shisha device, the user may push on the cap 400again to release the cap (step 5). The track-and-pin system will guidethe motion of the cap 400, allowing the spring 470 to return the cap 400to its beginning position (step 6). The grip member 450 remains engagedwith the cartridge 200, lifting the cartridge 200 upward with the cap400. The user may then remove the cap 400 from the device (step 7). Thecartridge 200 is held in the inner shroud 430 by the grip member 450.The cartridge 200 may be removed by contacting the grip member 450 witha cartridge release member 610 of a cartridge disposal device 601 (step8). The cartridge release member 610 may be configured to flex the gripfingers 452. The cartridge release member 610 may be configured to pushthe grip fingers 452 radially outward to release the cartridge 200.

Alternatively, the cartridge 200 may be removed by actuating a releasemechanism on the cap 400 that causes the grip fingers 452 to release thecartridge 200.

Thus, systems for gripping and releasing cartridges for shisha devicesare described. Various modifications and variations of the inventionwill be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from thescope and spirit of the invention. Although the invention has beendescribed in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it shouldbe understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limitedto such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of thedescribed modes for carrying out the invention which are apparent tothose skilled in the mechanical arts, chemical arts, andaerosol-generating article manufacturing or related fields are intendedto be within the scope of the following claims.

1. An aerosol-generating device comprising: an aerosol-generatingelement comprising a body and a receptacle for receiving a cartridgecomprising an aerosol-forming substrate; a vessel having a liquid filllevel and defining a head space outlet above the liquid fill level; aconduit for conveying airflow from the receptacle to the vessel; and acap engageable with the body, the cap comprising: a frame comprising acavity and having a center axis, wherein the cavity is arranged forreceiving the cartridge; and a grip member configured to releasably gripthe cartridge received in the receptacle.
 2. The aerosol-generatingdevice according to claim 1, wherein the grip member comprises one ormore spring fingers.
 3. The aerosol-generating device according to claim1, wherein the grip member comprises a ring member and one or morespring fingers extending from the ring member, and optionally whereinthe one or more spring fingers extend axially toward a closed end of thecavity, and optionally wherein the one or more spring fingers extendradially inward from the ring member.
 4. The aerosol-generating deviceaccording to claim 1, the cap further comprising an outer shroud and aninner shroud disposed within the outer shroud, with the inner shroudforming the cavity and the grip member at least partially disposedwithin the cavity of the inner shroud.
 5. The aerosol-generating deviceaccording to claim 4, wherein the inner shroud is axially movable withinthe outer shroud.
 6. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 4,the cap further comprising a spring element biasing the inner shroudaxially away from the outer shroud.
 7. The aerosol-generating deviceaccording to claim 4, wherein the inner shroud comprises one or moreguide tracks and the outer shroud comprises one or more track pinsconfigured to cooperate with the one or more guide tracks.
 8. Theaerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the capcomprises a piercing element configured to pierce the cartridge.
 9. Theaerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the grip membercomprises one or more spring fingers having a bias toward a defaultposition, and wherein the cap comprises a release mechanism configuredto counteract the bias, thereby moving the fingers away from the defaultposition to release a cartridge received in the cavity.
 10. Anaerosol-generating system comprising the aerosol-generating device ofclaim 1 and a cartridge disposal device comprising: a disposal vesselwith an opening; and a cartridge release member constructed to mate withthe grip member of the cap to actuate release of the cartridge.
 11. Theaerosol-generating system of claim 10, wherein the grip member comprisesa ring member and one or more spring fingers extending from the ringmember, and wherein the cartridge release member comprises a pressurering at the opening of the disposal vessel, the pressure ring beingconstructed to flex the one or more spring fingers.
 12. Theaerosol-generating system of claim 10, wherein the grip member comprisesa ring member and one or more spring fingers extending from the ringmember, and wherein the cartridge release member comprises a rim of thedisposal vessel, wherein the rim has a diameter which is smaller than adiameter of the ring member of the grip member, but larger than adiameter of the cartridge.
 13. A method of using the aerosol-generatingdevice of claim 1, the method comprising: inserting a cartridge in thereceptacle of the aerosol-generating element; placing the cap on theaerosol-generating element such that the cartridge is gripped by thegrip member; pushing the cap toward the receptacle to release the capfrom the aerosol-generating element; removing the cap from theaerosol-generating element; and contacting the grip member with acartridge release member, causing the cartridge to be released from thegrip member.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the grip membercomprises a ring member and one or more spring fingers extending fromthe ring member; and the cartridge release member comprises a rim of thedisposal vessel, wherein the rim has a diameter which is smaller than adiameter of the ring member of the grip member, but larger than adiameter of the cartridge; and wherein contacting the grip member withthe cartridge release member comprises engaging the rim of the cartridgedisposal device between the cartridge and the ring member of the gripmember to flex the one or more spring fingers, releasing the cartridgefrom the grip member.
 15. A method of using the aerosol-generatingdevice of claim 9, the method comprising: causing a cartridge to begripped by the grip member, wherein the one or more spring fingersexhibit a bias toward the cartridge; and actuating the release mechanismto counteract the bias, thereby releasing the cartridge.